EA, ED, and RD: Application Rounds Explained

U.S. colleges often offer three main rounds: Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED), and Regular Decision (RD).

Early Action (EA): deadline is usually early November, results in December, and it is not binding. You can apply EA to multiple schools and still compare offers later.

Early Decision (ED): same early deadline and early result, but it is binding. If you are admitted, you must enroll and withdraw other applications. Because ED shows commitment, admit rates are often higher.

Regular Decision (RD): deadline is late December to early January. Results come in spring, and you can compare all offers before choosing. This is the most flexible path.

How to choose? If you have a clear first-choice school and your grades/tests/activities are already ready by fall, ED can help. If you want options or need more time for testing and essays, EA + RD is safer.